Former Anambra State Governor and Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has visited the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) facility in Abuja to sign the condolence register opened following the military aircraft crash in Ondo State.
Obi’s visit came after the Nigerian Air Force confirmed that 25 people on board the aircraft died in the crash.
The ATR-42 aircraft, identified as NAF 931, crashed in the Igbokoda area of Ondo State on Monday, October 5, while travelling from Benin City in Edo State to Lagos on a routine mission.
The NAF said the aircraft had five crew members and 20 passengers on board, and that there were no survivors.
Following the tragedy, the Nigerian Air Force opened a condolence register at its headquarters in Abuja to allow government officials, members of the diplomatic corps, security chiefs and other well-wishers to pay their respects to the deceased.
Obi visited the facility on Wednesday and signed the register in honour of those who lost their lives in the crash. Reports said he also expressed condolences to the families, colleagues and loved ones of the victims.
The former governor said the visit offered him another opportunity to reflect on the sacrifices made by members of the Armed Forces and other security agencies in the course of serving the country.
He described the deceased personnel as Nigerians who had put their lives on the line to defend the nation and protect its citizens.
Obi stressed the importance of recognising the sacrifices of military and security personnel, saying their service should not be taken for granted.
He extended his condolences to the Nigerian Air Force and the families of those who died, while praying for strength for the bereaved families and eternal rest for the victims.
The crash has prompted national mourning, with President Bola Tinubu declaring three days of mourning and directing that national flags be flown at half-mast across the country.
The President also ordered an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the crash.
The NAF has similarly commenced a comprehensive investigation and urged members of the public to rely on verified information while avoiding speculation about the cause of the accident.
The Air Force has released the names of all 25 people who were on board NAF 931, comprising five crew members and 20 passengers.
The incident has drawn condolences from political leaders, government officials and organisations in Nigeria and abroad as the country mourns the loss of the military personnel and other passengers.
The investigation is expected to establish the circumstances surrounding the crash and provide information that could help prevent similar incidents in the future.
